Rose | Ashton Irwin

chapter thirteen

Rose's POV

Luckily Ashton left early yesterday, long before out parents came home to any chance of seeing him. I know that Ashton only kissed me again due to his pride. He couldn't handle the idea that someone was a better at something, even if it was something that slipped from my mouth in my state of panic. I shouldn't have let it happen again and wondered if he regretted it like I did. He didn't act like it, but he didn't address it again, and snapped back to his usual harsh and taunting personality. I don't know what else I expected. Instead of lingering on the thought of him I hurry to get ready for church, hoping Joseph will actually show up today.

I texted him after church last weekend, but he never responded. On top of that I only saw him at school twice, in which case he quickly turned the other way. It was clear that he was avoiding me, and I wanted to talk to him so we could go back to normal. Unluckily, we have no classes together this year, so if he continues to avoid me he could be doing it for a while unless I confront him.

I skim through a couple of the dresses in my closet that I usually wear to church before deciding to change it up for once. I slide on a white lace two piece shirt and skirt that ends around mid thigh. Looking in the mirror I debate on if it's appropriate for church, but aside from the sliver of skin that's mostly hidden by lace between the two pieces there is nothing wrong with it. I decide to wear it anyway, bringing a cardigan for good measure.

I finish applying minimal makeup when I hear my mom calling from downstairs, "Rose, Russell! We're going to be late!" Quickly I throw on a pair of brown wedges and grab my purse before rushing downstairs. For once Russell is already at the door, hands shoved into the pockets of his tight jeans, casual as usual.

My mom pushes us out of the door and into the car where my dad is already waiting. "I'm surprised you're not meeting us there." I mumble to Russell beside me in the backseat.

He turns from the window to face me, "Why?"

"Well I can't remember the last time you rode with us." I answer before adding, "And weren't late."

I see a small smirk form on his lips but he shakes it off, crossing his arms over his chest in defense, "Well last Sunday mom asked if I'd ride with you guys." When he sees me smile he groans dramatically, throwing his head back, "Stop that. It's not a big deal or anything."

I tease him for the rest of the ride, and for the first time in a long time we're getting along well and it's more relieving than I would expect. Our mom smiles back at us when she notices, and our father joins in on messing with him, "Are you sure you're feeling well today Russell? Lori check for a fever." We all laugh as our mom leans back and tries to place her palm on his forehead, resulting in him pushing her hands away, but I see his smile as well.

Despite the fact that mom said we would be late, we're thirty minutes early as per usual, and I immediately scan the room for Joseph. I find him in the back, talking to his sister.

I tap him on the shoulder, not giving him the chance to see me and run first. When he notices it's me I see the hesitation on his face as his eyes dart around, as if he's finding a way to avoid any conversation.

"Hey." I smile weakly, unsure of how to approach him at the moment.

"Hi Rose." Callie beams as usual, giving me a hug before pointing to the front of the church where their dad stands, "I'm going to see if he needs more help setting up- I'll talk to you after?'

"Yeah! I'm going to see if he needs help too-" Joseph blurts, trying to rush after his sister only for my to quickly grab his arm.

"Please just talk to me." I almost beg, frowning up at the brunette boy.